So many families and business were devastated after last Thursday's tornados in Fairdale, Illinois. 

Some groups are organizing collections of money and supplies for the victims in Fairdale and the Rochelle area, while others are discouraging helpers from showing up at the scene at this point.

• Send a donation through the American Red Cross website.  Also anyone wishing to volunteer with the Red Cross can contact their Rockford chapter at 815-963-8471.  Click here for the American Red Cross website. 
• The West Chicago Fire Protection District will accept donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through April 18 at Fire Station 6, 200 Fremont St. (630) 231-2123.  Items being accepted are bottled water, non-perishable food, new or slightly used clothing, toiletries, paper goods and gift cards.
• Updated emergency information for Kirkland and Fairdale is at www.villageofkirkland.com. 
• Virginia-based Operation Blessing International, one of the largest charities in the nation, is already in Rochelle. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Operation Blessing mobile command center at Jones Road and 8th in Rochelle beginning at 9 a.m. sharp today. The local volunteer hotline, which will be staffed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. is (757) 374-0944. For more information, visit www.ob.org. 
• Lutheran Church Charities has set up a disaster relief fund that people can donate to online or at (866) 455-6466. Mail donations should have "Disaster Relief" in the memo line and be sent to Lutheran Church Charities, 333 W. Lake St., Addison IL 60101. Trinity Lutheran Church in Genoa will serve as the base of operation for the Lutheran Early Response Team volunteers being deployed.
• The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division serving Greater Chicago and Northern Illinois is distributing information, please call (800) SAL-ARMY for more information.  Also checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division, 5040 N. Pulaski, Chicago IL 60630. 

Our thoughts and prayers go to all those affected and their families.